Saving Fort Monroe: What does that mean? Is it being saved for something or from something?
Are we so afraid of development that all we will have is a group of boarded-up, vacant buildings?
Where is the creative vision for the property? What will it take to make it economically sustainable? What is the economic model for a park (federal or state)? Will parks generate more income than expenses? Who or what should occupy the surrounding properties?
Plan A, leasing the land, is now in doubt. What is plan B?
What security will be in place to protect the assets at Fort Monroe after Sept. 15 until plan B can be developed and executed?
Assuming the land and structures remain owned by the state, how will leasing or rental rates be set in competition with private enterprise? If the recreational facilities at Old Point Comfort are in competition with private enterprise, should they be free, subsidized by tax dollars?
There are many examples of communities controlled by deed restrictions, covenants, historical designation, zoning, etc. These have been developed by private enterprise and benefit local communities by generating higher taxes because the property has a greater value. With vision, the property at Old Point Comfort could be such a property.
As I see it, the development will take time. Short term, many buildings will be mothballed and will need special protection. Everything will be wide open 24/7. The buildings will be stripped by thieves of valuable carvings, metal and glass.
The best way to protect the assets is by a gate checking to be sure anyone coming to Old Point Comfort has a legitimate reason for being there. The gate can be removed when the properties are occupied. If there is no gate, the Hampton police will be responsible for breaking up the late- night beach parties and policing the drinking and noise on fishing piers.
Long term, the Fort Monroe Authority should be in the process of requesting a state park be created from the land submitted for a national park. If it is important enough to be submitted for a national park, creation of a state park should be plan B.
I do not doubt some property will be either a national or state park, but what income will it generate for the FMA? Will there be more expense than income for parks?
Long term, because of the way the property is accessed, the number of jobs lost when the Army moves will not be replaced.